Leo Espinosa

Leo Espinosa is an award-winning illustrator and designer from Bogotá, Colombia, whose work has been featured internationally in publications, products, animated series and gallery shows. His short list includes The New Yorker, The New York Times, the BBC, Random House, HarperCollins, Chronicle Books, Candlewick Press, Swatch, and Warby Parker.

Leo's debut book as author and illustrator, My Papa Has a Red Mustache, releases June 2026.

Accolades

Society of Illustrators 54, Gold Medal

Society of Illustrators 51, 52, 55, Silver Medals

Communication Arts – Award in Excellence - Illustration, Design, and Typography Annuals

Society of Illustrators Dilys Evans Founder's Award 2015

Pura Belpré Honor Book for Illustration, 2019 for Islandborn

Society of Illustrators Original Art Show, 2022 - Gold Medal for The World Belonged to Us

The Atlantic’s 65 Essential Children's Books, October 15, 2025, featured The World Belonged to Us